Saybrook University is pleased to announce the appointment of Ellen Helms, Ph.D., to its Board of Trustees. A distinguished Saybrook University alumna and advocate for social justice, Dr. Helms brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to transformative social change.
Saybrook University News Article
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Helms to our Board of Trustees,” said Robyn Parker, Ph.D., acting president of Saybrook University. “Her exemplary work and her relentless pursuit of social justice makes her an ideal addition to our board.”
Dr. Helms holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, with a specialization in Transformative Social Change from Saybrook University, which she earned in 2018. She also received a Master of Arts in Psychology from Saybrook in 2010 and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Antioch University. Her extensive academic background is complemented by her work in liberation psychology, political activism, and justice-oriented philanthropy.
“Dr. Helms embodies the values of Saybrook University through her extensive advocacy work,” said Patricia Breen, Ph.D., chair of the Saybrook University Board of Trustees. “We look forward to her contributions as we continue to advance Saybrook’s mission of promoting positive social change.”
Dr. Helms has long been a vocal advocate for reproductive freedom and justice. She is particularly known for her efforts to address and reverse the controversial political legacy of her grandfather, the late U.S. Senator Jesse Helms. Senator Helms, who began his first U.S. Senate term in 1973, was a staunch opponent of abortion, and his Helms Amendment has restricted the use of U.S. foreign assistance funds for abortion for more than 50 years.
“I am deeply honored to join the Saybrook University Board of Trustees,” Dr. Helms said. “Serving my alma mater in this capacity is a profound way to give back to an institution that has shaped my values and my commitment to social change. I look forward to working with my fellow trustees to advance Saybrook’s mission and to support the next generation of leaders dedicated to humanistic values and societal impact.”
Driven by a strong sense of justice, Dr. Helms partners with Ipas, an international health organization that improves access to safe abortion and contraception in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Through Ipas, Dr. Helms has helped to fund abortions in countries restricted by the Helms Amendment for more than a decade. She also supports Ipas in fundraising, lobbying in Washington, D.C., for the Abortion Is Healthcare Everywhere Act, and promoting global reproductive justice through various media efforts.
In North Carolina, where she resides, Dr. Helms supports efforts to restore access to safe abortion through partnerships with the North Carolina Democratic Caucus and Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. She leverages her platform to promote reproductive freedom, believing that bodily autonomy and access to safe abortion are fundamental human rights.
“Dr. Helm’s appointment to the Saybrook University Board of Trustees reflects her deep connection to the university’s mission and her dedication to fostering environments that promote social justice and human dignity,” said Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., chancellor of The Community Solution Education System. “Her diverse experiences and steadfast commitment to advocacy will be invaluable assets to the Saybrook community.”
Saybrook University is part of The Community Solution Education System, a nonprofit education system made up of six colleges and universities that uses shared infrastructure and collaboration to drive innovation and advance student outcomes. Since joining The Community Solution in 2014, Saybrook has expanded educational offerings to include more than 30 degree programs.
For more information about Saybrook University, please visit saybrook.edu.
About Saybrook University
Founded in 1971, Saybrook University is an online, private graduate university accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The world’s premier institution for humanistic scholarship and research, Saybrook offers advanced degrees in psychology, mind-body medicine, organizational systems, leadership, and human science. For 50 years, Saybrook has empowered students to find their life’s work and achieve their full potential. Saybrook’s programs are deeply rooted in the humanistic tradition and a commitment to help students develop as whole people—mind, body, and spirit. Saybrook University is a proud member of The Community Solution Education System, an integrated nonprofit system of colleges working together to advance student success and community impact. For more information, visit https://www.saybrook.edu/